Community
24 July, 2026
‘Slapsy’ lived life to the Max
THE sudden death of popular former Cairns regional councillor, sports identity and community advocate has shocked the region.
Max ‘Slapsy’ O’Halloran died at his Parramatta Home unexpectedly on Wednesday last week, aged 74.
Tributes are flowing from across the region, as well as from throughout Australia.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said “it is with deep sadness” council learned of Mr O’Halloran’s death.
“Max served the people of Cairns as division 7 councillor for 12 years,” she said.
“During that time, he attended 394 council meetings, achieving an attendance record of 99.8%.
“He helped deliver a number of significant capital works projects across Cairns and was perhaps most proud of the redevelopment of the Tobruk Memorial Pool, a place where he was often found fitting in his lunchtime laps.
“Affectionately known as ‘Maxie’, Max had a remarkable ability to connect with people. When I was first elected to council, he was generous with his time and shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since – ‘If someone in the community has a concern, get in the car and go and see them, walk with them, listen to them and give them your time’.
“It was a simple philosophy, but one that reflected his approach to life.”
AFL Cairns said Mr O’Halloran was “a highly respected figure within Australian football in Far North Queensland and his loss will be deeply felt across our football community”.
His football journey began on the west coast of Tasmania as a proud Smithton boy, before he ventured across Bass Strait to play VFL football with Footscray and Carlton. He then moved into coaching, with stints in Darwin and at Windsor-Zillmere in Brisbane. He later made his way north to Cairns, playing briefly for South Cairns before transferring to North Cairns in 1979.
Mr O’Halloran went on to coach North Cairns to premiership success in 1985, having also been part of the club’s flag-winning sides as a player in 1980 and 1984.
He later took the reins at Cairns Saints, taking over as head coach in the early 1990s and guiding the club to the 1995 premiership.
His contribution to the game spanned more than 50 years and he remained an active, hands-on figure in local football right to the end – coaching the Cairns Saints division 3 side as recently as last season.
His contribution to the game was recognised with life membership of both AFL Cairns and the North Cairns Football Club, and in 2011, he received an AFL Queensland merit award for his services to football in the state.
AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said “Max left the game and this community, in a better place than he found it”.
“That’s about as good a legacy as anyone in football can leave and Max earned every bit of it,” he said.
Division 7 Councillor Anna Middleton, who won the division after Mr O’Halloran retired, said in 12 years of service, he represented the division with “dedication, professionalism and integrity”.
“Max was an absolute gentleman. He was incredibly generous with his time, always willing to share his knowledge, experience and wisdom with me as I began my own journey as division 7 councillor,” she said.
“His guidance, kindness and quiet encouragement were greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.”
Kevin Shorey of the Rondo Theatre said Mr O’Halloran was a hardworking councillor, who also was a great supporter of culture and arts.
“Hence, every time there was an issue that required the attention of a civic-minded person, Max was the man we turned to,” he said. “In every case, he proved to be an outstanding supporter, pushing for acknowledgement and physical and financial involvement from any entity in which he held sway. “
Cairns MP Michael Healy said he was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of “an all-round good bloke”.
“Max served his community for 12 years as a councillor, always the gentleman and a great sports fan,” he said. “Max was an absolute gentleman and a class act. He made the world a better place.”
His funeral is at St Monica’s Cathedral on Monday 27 July at 10am followed by a wake at Cazalys. Mr O’Halloran is survived by his partner Carol and daughter Shae.
